I just hate that generic page with a java icon on it icon. How do I get rid of it and place another? Can I? I just do not want to use .exe or make a shortcut. Is there no other way? And lastly on my long list of questions, why would they not let you?

I don't think you change the icon of an individual JAR file. You'll have to change the settings for that file type (*.jar) in your operating system and then all JAR files will be displayed with that icon.

To change the icon of an individual JAR I think you'll need to create a shortcut.

Jars are just archived files, much like a zip. Executables can have independent icons because they're defined in the bit specifications for them. Most other file formats have their icon assigned by the operating system.

You can create native binary executables for each platform and assign the icons within those, much like Eclipse has for itself.

How would I create a binary executable? WAIT! Is that just fancy smanschy coder nurd talk for .exe? No thank you. That ruins the point of java, to run on anything that runs java. Thanks anyways.MEDALS +1

The .sh file for most Java applications is akin to a Windows .bat file. It sets up environment variables, and generally passes the full command line to the shell instead of making the user type "java -jar <app name>". The .desktop file is more like the shortcut files for Windows. They contain the icon, the application name, and the file to run (usually the aforementioned .sh file). A complete package would contain both types of files.

Arthur: Are all men from the future loud-mouthed braggarts?Ash: Nope. Just me baby...Just me.

I like the terminal too, but your game's distribution should cater to the lowest common denominator. There are people who are new to Linux who still have no clue about how to do everything/anything through the shell. Providing them with a means to use your application through the GUI without the need to learn about the CLI and java command line invocation isn't a bad idea. Remember, if you're writing games, your target audience most likely isn't other developers, and the fewer barriers you create for the end user, the more likely they are to use/purchase your application. Even if you include a .sh and/or a .desktop file in your distribution, there is nothing to stop an advanced user from running the application from the CLI. The same possibility exists under Windows as well, though it's certainly not geared for it.

If the Linux community wants to attract new users, we as developers have to make things as approachable as possible for end users of every level.

Arthur: Are all men from the future loud-mouthed braggarts?Ash: Nope. Just me baby...Just me.

I always thought the appeal of linux was using something that most people wouldn't put up with

Odd. I thought that was the point of using Windows. LOL Joking aside, I do understand the "mystique" of CLI incantations, and having a level of mastery over a system that is a mystery to many. Linux has made leaps and bounds in way of end user experience over the years, even if there are still plenty of rough edges to get cut on. While I don't advocate removing all of those wonderful tricks and applications that endear Linux to power users, there's nothing wrong with trying to add a little polish to the overall package.

Arthur: Are all men from the future loud-mouthed braggarts?Ash: Nope. Just me baby...Just me.

Yeah I think the point of Linux is to have things for more advanced users. But I guess as the world advances, people will too, and Linux will become more mainstream(as it has with Ubuntu). Onward to BSD!

A person running Linux who doesn't know Linux, is generally not going to continue using it. That being said, I don't think anyone is going to install Linux for the purpose of trying out our Java games, when they don't have enough experience even to figure out how to run them in the first place.

One thing I enjoy is making Windows games work on Linux. It can be challenging as hell, but for whatever reason, it's pretty satisfying when you have the game up and running....and then close it because you don't actually want to play it.

A person running Linux who doesn't know Linux, is generally not going to continue using it.

Thats the reason why Linux has maybe 2% market-share on the desktop, and Ubuntu became thebiggest distro after others where on the market for years.(The reason beeing Linux-freaks who dont grasp the concept of end-user usability)

java-gaming.org is not responsible for the content posted by its members, including references to external websites,
and other references that may or may not have a relation with our primarily
gaming and game production oriented community.
inquiries and complaints can be sent via email to the info‑account of the
company managing the website of java‑gaming.org